Race to Alaska and a listing of race entrants so far

Discussion in 'Multihulls' started by Corley, Apr 6, 2015.

  1. cavalier mk2
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    cavalier mk2 Senior Member

    I think Russell has the right of it "lack of time to work out the bugs". The temptation to improve right up to a starting gun is enormous but solid and dependable can outperform the latest flash simply by not breaking. You can't win if you don't finish should be nailed to every cockpit. Greed for speed can lead astray....Elsie is doing a good balancing act by sailing as fast as they have to. With a comfortable lead they can play the throttle for conditions and their pursuers.
     
  2. cavalier mk2
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    cavalier mk2 Senior Member

    Every time I read the r2ak site updates it confirms my suspicion that the promoters are green but there is soap to sell. The foiler bad news for Doug Lord is Seawolf literally had to abandon ship yesterday but all are safe. When I heard about this race and pondered the PNW tradition of launching gold rushes I thought there was a decent chance someone could be drowned simply by not understanding the conditions to be prepared for. Size does matter in handling the bad stuff. I spent a lot of time up here in the 24 foot size range and know there is no arguing that the Nicol at 37' handles the rough stuff better. So smaller entries should pick their windows and routes to suit their size. It is no accident that the guys in Elsie who are used to handling rough stuff are in the lead or that the Hobie 33 is punching along behind. I picked Por Favor for doing well because that kind of boat can keep moving through the conditions we often get and still perform well when it lightens up. Proven and reliable is a good combination up here.
     
  3. Doug Lord
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    Doug Lord Flight Ready

    R2a

    Any info or a link on Seawolf? Had no idea a foiler was even in this race...
     
  4. cavalier mk2
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    cavalier mk2 Senior Member

    You'll have to track it down Doug. Elsie cleared the 2nd check in at Bela Bela and now has nothing left to affect their route choices till the finish in Ketchikan. Por Favor is still coming but I'd put Elsie close to a day ahead again. MOB isn't far behind.
     
  5. Manie B
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    Manie B Senior Member

    At first I did not pay much attention to this race because of silly things like the stand-up board entries.

    BUT WOW is this interesting, the race, the history, the places, the unbelievably beautiful nature and wild life, just the whole lot. Amazing stuff.
    It must be absolutely fantastic just to cruise that area.

    So for you guys that have that big bit of paradise at your disposal - ENJOY - I would give anything just to be there.

    :D lots to read and dream about :D
     
  6. Manie B
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    Manie B Senior Member

  7. cavalier mk2
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    cavalier mk2 Senior Member

    It is beautiful country, I'd suggest the teams explore the parts they are stuck in. Helmken Island has lots of trails. Elsie continues to pull away while Por Favor fights through the ocean stretch. The geography really helps the leader as they are away from the Johnstone funnel. They are staying outside making good time. It is really too bad for the other teams but unless you can fight through it can be a long wait. When I first heard about the race I thought somebody might be able to bash up the ocean west of Vancouver Island without the locked door of Johnstone but the Seymour Narrows waypoint eliminates that idea. The Qween Charlottes are a bit more open and lumpy with seas but by the time you get into Alaska the inside passage is like going through Puget Sound or the San Juans and Gulfs.
     
  8. cavalier mk2
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    cavalier mk2 Senior Member

    Elsie looks to be on pace to finish tomorrow. Por Favor cleared the 2nd checkpoint at Bella Bela. MOB is pursuing. And the adventure continues with life returning to the course in places.
     
  9. cavalier mk2
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    cavalier mk2 Senior Member

    I tried an idea out on fellow wind and human powered sailors last night when the subject of the small boats progress came up. It fits into the man powered category. How about using low geared folding bikes and attachable wheels for land portage? Other team mates could carry gear but a size/capacity balance has to be found. The boat has to carry the bikes and wheels of course. This could help even things up in a blow. The Vancouver Island roads can be impossibly steep so this isn't a slam dunk but a challenging alternative. I made a set of wheels part of my sailing canoe conversion and while not towed with a bike they proved useful in moving the heavy beast around with its gear on beaches and overland. Even walking is faster than being beached and portaging is a big tradition in canoe travel. Something for the little guys to ponder over the coming days or weeks.
     
  10. HASYB
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    HASYB Senior Member

    How much in favor I'm for hpv's but wouldn't the gimmicky bike portage conversion be bit like putting the horse behind the cart and out of character with this race?

    But man, am I enjoying following this race, already a classic!
     
  11. HASYB
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    HASYB Senior Member

  12. HASYB
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    HASYB Senior Member

    Well, Elsie Piddock has won.
    Lots and lots and lots of respect for them, can't wait to hear their stories.
    Amazing race, amazing territory.

    Hope they find that tree though, they deserve it.
     
  13. Doug Lord
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    Doug Lord Flight Ready

    ------
    Thanks-tremendous! The crew of Elsie Piddock deserves a big congratulations---and so does Ian Farrier!
     
  14. cavalier mk2
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    cavalier mk2 Senior Member

    One for the trimarans. Also some reminders that the big righting moment can break things on multihulls. Getting the gas pedal right is their big challenge in the PNW.
     

  15. HASYB
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    HASYB Senior Member

    Cav, just being curious. Since you seem to be a serious sailor and have pretty extensive knowledge of the area. What would be your favorite choice of boat if you were to participate?
     
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